Training and Development

Sometimes unappreciated by line managers, ever conscious of targets and
deadlines, the Training and Development department within a company is very important.
Some observations to note:
(a) Staff and Agents: Training is essential for both in-house personnel and field staff.
The educational and training needs of both must not be overlooked.
(b) Relevance: Training is not an optional extra, nor is it independent. It is part of the
overall team that constitutes the insurer, and its activities must not be selffulfilling, but relevant and effective to the continuance and enhancement of the
company.
(c) Training: This may be seen as preparation for the actual job in hand, or the job in
prospect. As such, it will involve courses, seminars and self-preparation arranged
or encouraged by staff training personnel.
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(d) Education: This may be seen as involving the quest for wider learning and
professional or related qualifications. Preparations, etc. for this may be
encouraged rather than provided, but having qualified staff (and insurance agents)
is of great importance.
(e) In-house or external: Whether instruction is provided by its own staff, or
arranged on behalf of staff with outside providers, this will be an important
concern of company trainers.
(f) Resources and records: Facilities for training (library and other aids) as well as
up to date records of individual training progress will clearly assist the efficient
running of this section